Introduction
Imagine a vibrant green field, teeming with life and drawing deer, turkey, and other game animals from miles around. The secret to this wildlife magnet? Often, it’s a well-planned and expertly planted food plot, and at the heart of many successful food plots lie brassicas. These versatile crops are a game-changer for wildlife management, offering a potent combination of nutritional value, cold-weather resilience, and sheer palatability that makes them irresistible to a wide range of creatures.
But with so many different types of brassica seed available, choosing the right one for your property can feel overwhelming. Which varieties will thrive in your specific climate? What soil conditions are ideal for these crops? And how do you ensure that your food plot provides the maximum benefit to the wildlife you’re trying to attract? This article will delve deep into the world of brassica food plot seeds, providing you with the knowledge and practical advice you need to select the optimal blend and create a thriving habitat for your local wildlife.
Understanding the Brassica Family
Brassicas, scientifically classified under the *Brassicaceae* family (also known as the mustard family), are a diverse group of plants renowned for their nutritional value and adaptability. Several members of this family are excellent choices for food plots, offering a range of benefits that can transform your land into a wildlife haven. Some of the most common brassicas used in food plots include kale, turnips, rape (often referred to as canola in its processed form), radishes, collards, and swedes (also known as rutabagas).
So why are brassicas such a popular choice for food plots? There are several compelling reasons:
- Palatability: Brassicas develop a unique sweetness after the first frost, making them incredibly attractive to deer and other wildlife during the crucial late-season months. The starches in the leaves and bulbs convert to sugars, creating a highly palatable and energy-rich food source when other natural forage is scarce.
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Brassicas are packed with essential nutrients, including high levels of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This nutritional boost helps animals maintain their body condition during the winter months, which is vital for survival and reproductive success.
- Cold-Weather Resiliency: Many brassica varieties are exceptionally cold-tolerant, capable of withstanding freezing temperatures and even snow cover. This allows them to provide a consistent food source throughout the fall and winter, when other plants have withered and died.
- Soil Improvement: Brassicas contribute to soil health in several ways. Some varieties, like radishes, have deep taproots that can break up compacted soil, improving drainage and aeration. Additionally, brassicas can act as “nitrogen scavengers,” absorbing excess nitrogen from the soil and preventing it from leaching into groundwater.
- Rapid Growth: Brassicas are known for their rapid growth rate, which means you can establish a food plot quickly and efficiently. This is particularly beneficial if you’re working with a limited growing season or need to create a food source in a short amount of time.
Each type of brassica offers unique characteristics that can cater to specific needs. For example, turnips are known for their bulb formation, which provides a substantial food source that animals can dig up and consume. Rape (canola) produces lush leafy growth that is high in protein and very palatable, making it an excellent choice for attracting deer early in the season. Kale is exceptionally cold-hardy and can even persist for multiple years, providing a consistent food source over an extended period. Radishes are valued for their deep root penetration, which helps improve soil structure, and for their quick growth rate, which makes them a good choice for cover crops. Food plot managers also employ hybrids to produce unique qualities in a brassica plot.
When selecting brassica types, it is important to think about what wildlife species you would like to attract, the regional climate, your length of growing season, soil type, pH, and preferred qualities of the plants.
Crucial Considerations When Selecting Brassica Seed
Choosing the right brassica seed requires careful consideration of several key factors. By taking the time to assess your specific needs and conditions, you can significantly increase the success of your food plot and maximize its benefits for wildlife.
Climate and Growing Zone
The importance of selecting seed varieties that are well-suited to your specific climate cannot be overstated. Pay attention to cold hardiness ratings and frost tolerance, ensuring that the plants can withstand the typical weather conditions in your area. Different brassica types require varying lengths of growing season to reach maturity, so choose varieties that will have enough time to develop fully before the onset of winter.
Soil Type and Preparation
Brassicas generally prefer well-drained soils with a pH between around six and seven. Soil testing is essential to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil, and you may need to amend it with lime or fertilizer to create optimal growing conditions. Tillage or no-till planting methods can be used, depending on your soil type and personal preferences.
Wildlife Species Targeted
Different wildlife species have different preferences when it comes to food sources. While deer readily consume many types of brassicas, other game animals may have different tastes. For example, turkey may prefer brassicas with broad leaves, while rabbits may be attracted to the smaller, more tender shoots.
Maturity Time
The maturity time of a brassica variety refers to the number of days it takes for the plant to reach full size and productivity. Early-maturing varieties can provide a food source earlier in the season, while late-maturing varieties can offer forage later into the winter. Consider the timing of your hunting season and choose varieties that will be most attractive to wildlife when you need them most.
Disease Resistance
Brassicas can be susceptible to certain diseases, such as clubroot, which can stunt their growth and reduce their productivity. Selecting disease-resistant seed varieties is a proactive way to prevent these problems and ensure a healthy, thriving food plot.
Seed Quality and Germination Rates
Always purchase high-quality seed from reputable suppliers to ensure optimal germination rates and plant health. Check seed tags for germination percentages and purity, and avoid buying seed that is old or damaged.
Price and Value
While price is certainly a consideration, it’s important to look beyond the initial cost and consider the overall value of the seed. Some seed blends may be more expensive upfront but offer superior performance, disease resistance, or nutritional value in the long run.
Seed Coating/Treatment
A seed coating or treatment serves several purposes. Often, the seeds are coated with a fertilizer, insecticide, or fungicide. These coatings can aid in increasing germination and protecting the seeds from pests.
Recommended Brassica Seed Blends and Varieties
Here are some specific recommendations for different scenarios, based on years of experience and research:
- Best Overall Brassica Blend: Whitetail Institute’s Winter Greens. This blend is a proven winner, combining several different brassica varieties that provide a balanced mix of leafy forage, bulb production, and cold-weather hardiness. It’s a great all-around choice for attracting and sustaining deer throughout the fall and winter. It offers the ideal mix of plant species for both early and late season food.
- Best Brassica for Cold Climates: Eagle Seed Buck Grub. This blend is specially formulated to thrive in harsh northern climates, with exceptionally cold-hardy varieties that can withstand extreme temperatures and heavy snow cover. It’s an excellent choice for hunters and landowners in areas with long, cold winters. The plants are very palatable and cold hearty.
- Best Brassica for Poor Soil: Tecomate Monster Mix. This seed blend is designed to perform well in less-than-ideal soil conditions, making it a good choice for properties with rocky or nutrient-poor soils. The varieties included are relatively tolerant of acidic soils and can still produce a substantial amount of forage, even under challenging conditions.
- Best Brassica for Deer Attraction: Antler King Honey Hole. This particular blend is a blend of forage turnips, radishes, and rape. These varieties are all known to attract deer throughout the fall and winter. Deer tend to gravitate to the blend for its high sugar content.
- Best Brassica for Late-Season Forage: Real World Wildlife Products Maximum. These plants have very late maturity, which keeps them producing until late in the season. This can be crucial when deer are looking for a good source of food in the middle of winter.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Following these best practices will set you up for a successful food plot.
Site Preparation
Clear the planting site of all vegetation and debris. A soil test is vital to knowing the pH and nutrient contents of the soil. Amend the soil to reach optimal pH and nutrient levels. Tilling the soil is one of the most common preparation methods, but no-till methods are also available.
Planting Methods
Brassica seeds can be broadcasted or drilled. Broadcasting involves spreading the seeds over the soil surface, while drilling involves planting them at a specific depth using a seed drill. Optimal planting depth and timing vary depending on the brassica type and your local climate, so consult the seed packet for specific instructions. Seeding rates also vary depending on the variety and planting method.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be determined by the soil test. Once the soil test is complete, you will know what fertilizer to use and when to apply it.
Weed Control
Managing weeds is essential for a successful brassica food plot. Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides can be used to control weeds, but it’s important to choose herbicides that are safe for brassicas. Mowing can also be used to control weeds, especially in areas with dense weed growth.
Pest Control
Brassicas can be susceptible to certain pests, such as aphids and cabbage loopers. Monitor your food plot regularly for signs of pest damage and take action if necessary. Insecticide recommendations may be available from your local extension agent or seed supplier.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning and preparation, problems can sometimes arise. Here’s how to address some common issues:
- Poor Germination: Poor germination can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor soil, improper planting depth, and lack of moisture. Make sure to choose high-quality seed, prepare the soil properly, and provide adequate moisture for germination.
- Weed Infestation: Weed infestations can quickly overwhelm a brassica food plot. Implement effective weed control methods, such as pre-emergent herbicides, post-emergent herbicides, and mowing.
- Pest Damage: Pest damage can significantly reduce the productivity of a brassica food plot. Identify common pests and take appropriate action to control them, using insecticides if necessary.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Nutrient deficiencies can stunt the growth of brassicas and reduce their overall health. Diagnose and correct nutrient deficiencies by conducting soil tests and applying appropriate fertilizers.
- Overgrazing: Overgrazing can damage brassica food plots and prevent them from providing adequate forage for wildlife. Use fencing to protect your food plot from excessive grazing, especially during the early stages of growth.
In Conclusion
Selecting the right brassica seed is a crucial step in creating a successful food plot that attracts and sustains wildlife. By carefully considering your climate, soil type, target wildlife species, and other key factors, you can choose the optimal blend of brassica varieties to meet your specific needs.
Remember, experimentation is key. Don’t be afraid to try different brassica varieties and blends to see what works best on your property. With a little patience and effort, you can create a thriving food plot that provides valuable habitat and enhances the overall health and vitality of your local wildlife population. By carefully selecting and managing your brassica food plots, you can significantly enhance wildlife habitat and create exciting hunting opportunities for years to come.
